Radisson Paul Gaugin Active Shore Excursions

[pennstatefan]

What are the most popular (and most fun!) shore excursions on the Radisson Paul Gaugin port stops (Bora Bora, Moorea, Raiatea, Tahaa)?
Someone told me there's a big difference among say, shark feeding on one island to 4X4 or waverunner tours on another island.

How about on Huahine?

Thanks.

[pennstatefan]

Anyone have any advice on this? Do we really need to book the excursions in advanced on the Paul Gaugin, or can we just wait until the ship?

[clint]

i just recently called radisson and they will not allow you to purchase shore excursions prior to the cruise on the paul gauguin. they are only available on board!!! when are you sailing????

[the tahiti traveler]

Ia orana !

IMO, here are the most active (and fun) activities offered on the PG :

Raiatea - Drift snorkeling
Tahaa - 4X4 Safari
Bora Bora - 4X4 Safari, Jet ski and helicopter flight
Moorea - Jet ski & Parasailing

Enjoy your cruise in paradise ;-)

The Tahiti traveler team

[pennstatefan]

Our ship leaves June 26, but we may book some of these tours when we get off the ship.

Are these tours readily available in port?

Thanks.

[ticketsunlimited]

No, Book as soon as possible after boarding. They fill up quick. If they dont have enough for some excursions they cancel them. So dont wait until the day you arrive at Bora Bora and think you are going Jet skiing, you will most likely be out of luck. [img]http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_frown.gif[/img]

[Dolebludger]

We have spent three weeks on the PG. One in Feb. '02 and two in Feb. '03. Here are our recommendations.

Raiatea: Snorkeling is not good there. Make sure you see the children's show about 11:00 AM.
After that, take the river and land tour, or else treat it as a sea day. You will be there on Sunday. There is a fairly large shopping mall (by FP standards) there, but they are closed on Sunday, regardless of how many cruise ships are in port!!

Taha'a: Do not miss the motu (private beach day) whatever you do. Included are water sports, lunch, and open bar!

Bora Bora: Also offered here are motu days, just like Taha'a, except without the lunch and with better snorkeling. Also, here, the ship's snorkeling tours are great.

Moorea: Here, the shark and stingray snorkel feeding is good, along with some of the 4X4 inland tours. You choose.

But bottom line, DON'T MISS THE MOTUS ON TAHA'A AND BORA BORA. They are all inlusive (no extra cost) and are the highlight of the cruise.

HINT: On the Taha'a motu, there are locals selling black pearls that are less than perfect, for a very small price. These, if selected correctly, can be set into drops, rings, and earrings with the settings covering the flaws. You can find the same thing on Moorea. Best to have your jeweler at home do the settings (cheaper).As a result, we'vehad some very impressive jewelery pieces made, for a very small price.

Hope this helps,
Richard [img]http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif[/img] [img]http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif[/img] [img]http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif[/img]

[pennstatefan]

Thanks, Richard. Having spent so much time on the Paul Gaugin, how did you enjoy the food and which was your favorite restaurants? Any other tips or suggestions you can pass along? Such as, I heard there is email, but not internet access on board.

Doug